What Are Australia Awards Scholarships?
Formerly known as Australian Development Scholarships (ADS), Australia Awards is one of the Australian Government's flagship international scholarship programs, built specifically to develop the skills, knowledge, and leadership of individuals from partner countries so they can return home and contribute to their country's development. It's a genuinely long-term commitment by the Australian Government, funding full academic programs rather than short exchanges, and building lasting professional and institutional links between scholars and Australia along the way.
Who Is Eligible for Australia Awards?
According to DFAT's own official eligibility guidance:
- Citizenship: must be a citizen or resident of one of the participating countries, which vary by region and are listed individually with their own specific country profiles on the Australia Awards website
- Academic requirement: a minimum of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognised institution, obtained either in your home country or abroad
- English language proficiency: generally required through IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic, though applicants from countries where English is the official language, or whose first degree was taught in English, may be eligible for a waiver with supporting documentation
- Study program alignment: your chosen program should relate to your home country's specific development priorities, as outlined in that country's participating profile
- Academic level restriction: you cannot apply for a scholarship at a lower academic level than one you already hold, for example, applying for a Master's scholarship while already holding a PhD
- Prior award restriction: applicants who have previously received a long-term Australia Award are not eligible again unless they've resided outside Australia for at least twice the length of time they previously spent there
- Conduct requirements: applicants must not hold convictions for criminal activity, including matters relating to child protection
Certain fields are explicitly excluded from the program, including training related to flying aircraft, nuclear technology, and military training.
What Do Australia Awards Scholarships Cover?
- Full tuition fees for the duration of your program
- Return economy class air travel to and from Australia, via the most direct route
- An establishment allowance, contributing toward accommodation costs, textbooks, and study materials
- A contribution to living expenses, paid as an ongoing living allowance
- An Introductory Academic Program, helping scholars adjust to study and life in Australia before their course begins
- Health coverage for the duration of the scholarship
- Additional fieldwork funding, available in some cases for students undertaking research-focused study, depending on their specific program
Scholarships are awarded for the minimum period necessary to complete the specified academic program, including any required preparatory training.
How Do I Apply for an Australia Awards Scholarship?
- Check your country's specific participating profile on the Australia Awards website, since eligibility details, priority development areas, and deadlines are set individually by country rather than following one universal global process
- Register on the Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS), where you'll answer initial eligibility questions and receive a unique registration number, username, and password
- Complete your application online, building it as a draft and updating it along with your supporting documents up until your country's specific closing date
- Apply by mail if online application isn't available for your country, using the hard copy application form available through your country's specific contact details
- Submit before your deadline. Once submitted, applications cannot be edited or changed, so review carefully before finalising
Are There Restrictions on Prior Applicants?
Yes. If you've previously held a long-term Australia Award, you're not eligible to apply again until you've resided outside Australia for at least twice the total length of time you spent there during your previous award. For example, a previous scholar who spent four years in Australia would need to wait at least eight years outside the country before becoming eligible to apply again.
FAQs About Australia Awards Scholarships
Does the Australia Awards Scholarship cover full tuition?
Yes, along with return airfare, an establishment allowance, a living expenses contribution, and health coverage for the duration of the program.
Who can apply for an Australia Awards Scholarship?
Citizens or residents of specific participating countries across the Indo-Pacific, Africa, and parts of the Middle East and South Asia. Eligibility criteria are set individually per country, so checking your specific country's profile is essential.
Can I apply for a scholarship at a lower level than my current qualification?
No. You cannot apply for a scholarship at an academic level lower than one you already hold, such as applying for a Master's scholarship while already holding a PhD.
Do I need an IELTS or TOEFL score to apply?
Generally yes, though applicants from countries where English is the official language, or whose previous degree was taught in English, may be eligible for a waiver with supporting documentation.
Can I apply again if I've previously held an Australia Award?
Only after residing outside Australia for at least twice the length of time you previously spent there during your award.
Sources: Official Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website (dfat.gov.au), and Australia's official Study Australia government portal (studyaustralia.gov.au).
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